Surrendered to God, in community (Romans 12:1-5)

Paul has finished his explanation for why his people Israel are not coming to Jesus. He turns his attention now to the church in Rome, a letter that even to this day is to be used for us to uplift and edify the church. He starts by urging the people of God to look at the mercies of God that we are saved, that we have been drawn and called into a relationship as children of God through Jesus Christ. And in view of those mercies, the urgency is that we would be a living sacrifice, well pleasing to the Lord, a holy people. He calls us to resist the patterns of this evil age and to live for God, doing it in such a way where we do not think pridefully or highly of ourselves, nor do we shun ourselves, but receive the gifts of God in accordance with the measure of faith he has given us, gifts that are to be used in the local church to support one another, to love one another and care for each other. Yes! Our whole life is to be run that honours our God who loves us so much. Paul also encourages us to find our place in the church and help as God directs, being happy with whatever He calls us to, not looking to be more or less than what it is He requires of us. The beautiful miracle that Paul describes in this section, is that once we cleanse ourselves from the evils of this world, we will be freely able to understand and seek out the will of God in our lives. Let us do this together! Let us serve Jesus with the whole heart as God’s children!